MOU integrates traditional medicine into conventional medical education

CEBU, Philippines — A three-day Health Care Summit on Traditional Medicine culminated in the signing of a memorandum of agreement (MOU) aimed at integrating traditional medicine into conventional medical education in Cebu.

The MOU was signed during a Gala Night hosted by the Cebu provincial government on February 14.

The agreement involves all parties promoting Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and commits to long-term, effective, and mutually beneficial cooperation within the professional community.

“Incorporating these traditional, alternative, and complementary modalities with modern conventional medicine would contribute to a more patient-centered, holistic healthcare model that considers physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual well-being,” the MOU stated.

The MOU seeks to integrate TCM into the basic medical education curriculum and postgraduate medical specialty education, including residency and fellowship programs.

Additionally, the parties are allowed to voluntarily contribute financial or resource investments, such as infrastructure, equipment, human resources, exchange programs, and training initiatives, subject to mutual agreement.

However, such contributions do not create any legal or financial obligations.

The MOU will remain in effect for three years from the date of signing. Signatories included Professor Li Condong, director of the Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine; Dr. Daniel Ariaso, President of the Cebu Normal University – Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center (CNU-VSMMC) College of Medicine Consortium; Dr. Gerardo Aquino, hospital chief of VSMMC; and Ma. Teresa Iñigo, the director general of the Philippine Institute of Traditional and Alternative Health Care (PHITACH). Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia, Capitol officials, and other guests witnessed the signing.

During the Gala Night, Dr. Qiming Zheng, chief consultant at the Philippine Traditional Chinese Medicine Center, Inc., expressed hope that the summit would mark the beginning of lasting collaboration.

He envisioned combining the wisdom of Asian medicine with modern healthcare innovation for the benefit of all.

The summit was attended by medical experts from China, South Korea, India, and Cebu, who exchanged ideas, experiences, and expertise in Traditional Chinese Medicine, also known as oriental medicine. — (FREEMAN)